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DENVER/March 27, 2018 – Morris Animal Foundation-funded researchers at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute identified practical management strategies to enhance the lives of elephants everywhere. Findings from the first metabolic health assessment of conservation populations of elephants, published in PLOS One, show that certain zoo management practices play a crucial role in maintaining metabolically healthy, breeding elephants needed for the long-term conservation of both Asian and African elephants.

“Understanding elephant biology is crucial to improving animal management and protecting the health of this iconic large mammal,” said Dr. Kelly Diehl, Senior Scientific Programs and Communications Adviser at Morris Animal Foundation. “This publication provides critical information for all those who care for these magnificent animals.”

Factors related to exercise and feeding practices were the most influential in predicting metabolic status in elephants. For example, random feeding practices rather than a predictable feeding schedule seemed beneficial to metabolic elephant health. Social and housing factors showed smaller but significant effects.

“From this work, it’s clear that elephants, like us, need a good diet and lots of exercise to stay healthy and maintain good body condition. Already, zoos are implementing new ways to feed their elephants and encourage more activity throughout the day, which is a very positive outcome of our work," said Dr. Janine Brown, Morris Animal Foundation-funded researcher and one of the authors of the publication. Dr. Brown is head of the Endocrinology Laboratory at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute.

During the study, Dr. Brown and her colleague Dr. Kari Morfeld collected and analyzed blood samples from Asian and African elephants. They found leptin levels and glucose-to-insulin ratios can be used as predictors of both ovarian cycle function and body condition in elephants, vital information for the long-term global conservation of elephants.

"Determining normal levels of glucose and insulin is now critical so we know what to aim for in zoo-managed elephants. We are obtaining this information from our field site in South Africa, with the goal of promoting elephant sustainability in zoos and in the wild," said Dr. Morfeld.

The research work addresses a growing threat to maintaining a sustainable captive population, and ensuring the success of elephant species survival programs.

“It really is a team effort,” said Dr. Morfeld. “There are the elephant professionals caring for elephants every day and researchers studying priority issues facing elephant health and sustainability. Together, we work to implement the science into daily management of these animals.

“Science is only effective if we then use the results for change as we learn more. Our work at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, with partners like Morris Animal Foundation, is helping fuel this change."

 

About Morris Animal Foundation

Morris Animal Foundation’s mission is to bridge science and resources to advance the health of animals. Founded by a veterinarian in 1948, we fund and conduct critical health studies for the benefit of all animals. Learn more at morrisanimalfoundation.org.